Tuesday, September 04, 2007

So you're looking for new skis....

If you haven't looked at women's skis lately, maybe it's time you took another look. Because to paraphrase an old ad campaign, they've come a long way, baby.

It wasn't too long ago that manufacturers would simply take their men's skis, power them down, slap on some flowers, and call them women's skis. The technical term for this: shrink it and pink it. The result was less than satisfactory.

Today, ski manufacturers have changed their tune, offering women's skis that'd give anyone a run for their money. They're making skis that are lighter and softer to accomodate women's lower muscle mass, but giving them the strength and stability we crave. (And they don't rely on cutesy graphics so much, either. Which, by the way, I always found somewhat offensive.)

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About Me

Some people think I'm a little too obsessed with skiing. And to them I say -- you might be right. I've been skiing for many, many years -- let's leave it at more than 20 -- mostly in the Green Mountains of Vermont, though I also like to ski out West.

I began this blog in response to two things: 1) my observation that men far outnumber women on the slopes; and 2) the overwhelming male orientation of ski magazines (both in editorial and advertising) and internet ski forums. I think women skiers are often underserved, under-represented, and overlooked. This blog is a way for women skiers to connect with other women skiers, and give voice to their concerns and observations. Be sure to participate! I'd love to hear from you.

When I'm not skiing, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, biking, and hiking. I am also the author of DOUBLE BLACK: A SKI DIVA MYSTERY, published by Minotaur Books, January, 2010. You can find out more about that at wendyclinch.com.